Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:18:37 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34238#Comment_34238 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34238#Comment_34238 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:35:13 +0100 Edwin
I have been new-building for 18 months with one contractor - from scratch, Zero VAT rated, no problem - not charged on invoices. THEN... they screw up, I sack them. I employ a freelance project manager to pull the final phase together. We are employing individual trades to finish - everyone providing their individual guarantees. So.. my question is this: Do I still have a zero VAT build? It continue as a new build - but with a different contractor(s). As such - do my suppliers/trades/contractors need to invoice me 17.5% or 0%?

Help! I have contacted the VAT office but with conflicting advice ... even looking at the downloadable claim forms I do not find it is clear cut!

Anyone been here before?

Ed]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34240#Comment_34240 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34240#Comment_34240 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:44:07 +0100 nigel
The only other option is to request recovery of VAT paid at the end of the project as a self build claim.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34244#Comment_34244 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34244#Comment_34244 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:40:47 +0100 tony https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34258#Comment_34258 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34258#Comment_34258 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:58:58 +0100 CWatters
The project is definitely covered by the VAT scheme as it's still a new house not a conversion or extension (see Notice 719 section 3.3 "Can I make a claim on a partly completed building"). It's not unusual for builders to stop at say first fix and for the owner to do second fix. You can still reclaim the VAT on items purchased upto the official council completion date.

Suppliers (eg builders merchants) should charge you VAT but you can reclaim most of this from the VAT man (i've done this). Make sure you get proper VAT reciepts. Till reciepts might not be accepted as they don't have your address on. B&Q will hand write you a VAT reciept on request for example. Note you can only reclaim VAT on some things - typically just things incorporated into the structure such as bricks, baths, light fittings, kitchen units etc. You cannot reclaim VAT on white goods unless you get them "free" with the kitchen and ideally not itemised on the reciept. You can't reclaim VAT on equipment hire either (eg scaffolding). . You can also claim for landscaping (trees etc) but only if they are a planning condition (eg shown on a landscaping document the planners asked for).

Services (eg contractors) should NOT charge you VAT. They should zero rate it. If you pay VAT in error you _cannot_ reclaim it from the VAT man. Note that your contractor may have to pay VAT on materials he supplies. He should not pass that on to you but should reclaim it when he does his own VAT return. He may need to supply your planning reference number. Some contractors are wary about this or may not be VAT registered - if it's a problem offer to buy the materials for him and reclaim the VAT yourself. Make sure the reciept is in your name and the goods delivered to site. Note that the errection and dismanteling of scaffolding is classed as a service and should be zero rated - but unfortunately it's invariably included free or on the bill with the actual hire of the scaffolding.

For full details see VAT Notice 719 - "VAT refunds for 'do-it-yourself' builders and converters".

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000150&propertyType=document

Also get a copy of Notice 708 - "VAT Buildings and construction" . The booklet tells builders and contractors what they should charge you VAT for and at what rate.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000513&propertyType=document

I kept a ring binder full of plastic sleeves and inserted the VAT reciept in date order. This is how the VAT man will want it.

When I did my claim the VAT forms were out of date. The form requested lots of info that was no longer required. Before you waste time call and ask which sections they really need you to fill in.

Generally I found the VAT line helpful. Ask for a call reference number if possible. They don't allways give them but if they do you can refer to it when you make your claim later.

It's almost impossible to take photocopies of the whole file so send your claim in by recorder delivery and ask for insurance to the value of the VAT claim at the post office.

Good place to ask questions on this is the forum here..

http://www.ebuild.co.uk/cgi-bin/forums/discus.pl]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34261#Comment_34261 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34261#Comment_34261 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:13:46 +0100 CWatters https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34515#Comment_34515 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2644&Focus=34515#Comment_34515 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:55:24 +0100 Edwin actually very straightforward too! I may well get back to you and have implemented the same system you recommend with the file!

Ed]]>